History will regard Kylee Van Egdom as one of South Dakota's most well-rounded high school volleyball players. But teammates appreciate the Sioux Falls Christian senior standout for more than just her skill.

Kylee Van Egdom of Sioux Falls Christian celebrates another point with her teammates during Monday's match against Lennox in Sioux Falls.(Photo: Michael G. Brown for the Argus Leader)

"She brings a great presence to the team," Chargers setter Sam Fykstra said of her longtime friend. "She really wants everybody to succeed and is always willing to help others. Kylee sets the example and everyone appreciates what she does."

Van Egdom's selflessness precedes her and, unsurprisingly, she prefers talking in terms of "we" and "us" rather than "me" and "I." But there's no denying the prominent role the 5-foot-10 outside hitter played for the Class A state champions in 2018.

The inaugural Argus Leader Super Six Player of the Year put together a stellar campaign, recording 505 kills and 117 aces with a 2.25 pass rating. Her stats are even more impressive when you consider that Sioux Falls Christian's schedule included Class AA opponents such as Washington and O'Gorman.

Behind the scenes, she continued laying the groundwork for the younger players, taking them in and helping them feel comfortable as they adjusted to the varsity level.

"Kylee taught them different shots as outside hitters and would keep encouraging them no matter what," said Chargers coach Darci Wassenaar. "She wouldn't let girls get down. She'd just stay positive with each of them."

Sioux Falls Christian senior and Argus Leader Super Six Player of the Year Kylee Van Egdom at the Sioux Falls Christian gym Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Sioux Falls. Van Egdom has won three state titles with her team during her time at Sioux Falls Christian.

(Photo: Briana Sanchez / Argus Leader)

Immediate impact

Van Egdom grew up watching the SFC volleyball dynasty in its formative years, looking up to standouts Shelby Somermaan, Kristin Stern and Jordyn Oostra as she entered middle school. She had a passion for volleyball and couldn't wait to start playing for Wassenaar.

"Obviously you're a little scared coming in – you're a freshman," Van Egdom said. "But I wasn't that nervous, because I knew I had some great people surrounding me. The culture here is just crazy. You know when there's a home game everyone's going to be here and it's going to be loud."

California Baptist freshman Ellie Voss, who played alongside Van Egdom from 2015-17, saw a well-rounded player who combined thunderous hits with a wicked serve and solid passing ability.

As the Chargers racked up titles in 2015 and 2017 – continuing a trend that has seen them claim seven crowns since 2010 – the youngster's versatility shone through.

"She was just a phenomenal player all the way around," Wassenaar said of Van Egdom, who set a Class A tournament record in 2015 with 15 aces over 10 sets. "She was very consistent in her play and came in hitting the ball so well. You don't always see that in a freshman."

Van Egdom commanded attention with her play, but her positive personality endeared her to her teammates, who embraced the freshman with open arms. She has maintained the same sunny demeanor over the years, finding ways to build her teammates up, while also keeping them focused.

Serving science

Kylee Van Egdom of Sioux Falls Christian serves during the match with Lennox on Monday night in the Sioux Falls Christian gym.(Photo: Michael G. Brown for the Argus Leader)

Van Egdom continued to develop her game as she got older, focusing on her passing — one of her favorite parts of the game — and blocking, which she admits she's not the best at, but has continued to work on.

And then there's her serve.

Behind a powerful swing, Van Egdom's serves appear destined to go out of bounds as they cross the net. But she puts so much topspin on the ball that the bottom falls out and it lands in play.

McCook Central/Montrose coach Tami Bies said the senior has it down to a science, adding that her style is different from everyone else's. "It really scares a lot of people," she said.

Van Egdom showcased her overpowering serve at the Class A state tournament, breaking her own event record with 17 aces over nine sets. She led a dominating effort against No. 1 Miller in the state championship, recording 11 aces, including five straight at one point in the opening set.

"Once she got that serve going, there was no stopping her, honestly," Voss said of Van Egdom, who also had 43 kills and 29 digs. "When she's on fire, I'm like, just send Kylee. We need to get her the ball, because she'll just put it away."

Sioux Falls Christian senior and Argus Leader Super Six Player of the Year Kylee Van Egdom at the Sioux Falls Christian gym Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Sioux Falls. Van Egdom has won three state titles with her team during her time at Sioux Falls Christian.

(Photo: Briana Sanchez / Argus Leader)

Lasting legacy

With a commitment to continue her career at Division II Northern State, Van Egdom still has plenty of volleyball in her future.

But before gazing at what lies ahead, it's best to take a step back and examine what she has already accomplished.

A four-year varsity letterwinner, she graduates with three Class A titles, 119 wins, 1,327 kills (10.05 per match), 341 aces, 934 digs and 121 blocks. Not only did Van Egdom continue SFC's winning tradition, she also carried on the familial atmosphere that's integral to future success.

"The tradition here is great," Van Egdom said. "I'm so proud of what we started here and what I get to leave behind."